Purpose::
Various studies have shown that photoreceptor apoptosis playsa role in the pathophysiology of retinal detachment. Since XIAPis a member of a family of genes that inhibits apoptosis byblocking the function of caspases, the current study examinedthe efficacy of XIAP gene therapy in the neuroprotection ofphotoreceptors following retinal detachment.

Methods::
Serotype 5 adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding either XIAPor GFP, driven by the chicken beta-actin (CBA) promoter, wasinjected subretinallyinto one eye of adult male Brown Norwayrats. Two weeks after the AAV injection, retinas were detachedby injecting sodium hyaluronate into the subretinal space inthe region of the AAV injection. Retinas were sampled at 3 daysand at 2 months after the detachment. TUNEL analysis, histologyand immunohistochemistry were used to assess structural integrityof the retina.

Conclusions::
The current study shows that XIAP is able to preserve the structureof photoreceptors in experimentally induced retinal detachment.This suggests that decreasing the susceptibility of the retinalcells to apoptotic death may allow more time for successfulre-attachment of the retina and improve the visual outcome inpatients with retinal detachment.